Who is Favored in the Army-Navy Game?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and storied rivalries in college football, with a history dating back to 1890. The two teams have played each other 120 times, with Army leading the series 62-52-7. As the two teams prepare to face off again, one question on everyone’s mind is: who is favored to win?
Recent History
Before we dive into the current season, let’s take a look at the recent history of the Army-Navy Game. In the past five years, the teams have split the series 3-3, with each team winning twice at home and on the road.
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Navy | 21-17 | Baltimore, MD |
| 2017 | Army | 14-13 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 2018 | Navy | 10-0 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 2019 | Army | 31-7 | West Point, NY |
| 2020 | No game played due to COVID-19 pandemic |
Current Season
As the 2022 season approaches, both teams have their eyes set on the Army-Navy Game. Army, led by head coach Jeff Monken, finished the 2021 season with a 8-5 record and a trip to the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy game. Navy, led by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, finished the 2021 season with a 4-8 record, but has a rich history of success in the rivalry.
Favored to Win
So, who is favored to win the 2022 Army-Navy Game? As of now, the consensus among sportsbooks and oddsmakers is that Army is favored to win. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Army is listed as a 3.5-point favorite over Navy.
| Sportsbook | Army Odds | Navy Odds |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | -175 | +145 |
| DraftKings | -165 | +135 |
| Caesars | -155 | +125 |
Why Army is Favored
So, why is Army favored to win? Here are a few reasons:
- Offense: Army’s offense has been on the rise in recent years, led by quarterback Christian Anderson. In 2021, Anderson threw for 1,446 yards and 10 touchdowns, and rushed for 641 yards and 4 touchdowns.
- Defense: Army’s defense has been stout, ranking 22nd in the nation in total defense and 17th in scoring defense. The Black Knights have also been strong on the road, allowing just 15.3 points per game away from home.
- Experience: Army returns 17 starters from its 2021 team, including 9 on offense and 8 on defense. This experience could be a major factor in the team’s favor.
Why Navy is Underrated
Despite being favored, Navy is not without its strengths. Here are a few reasons why they could be a dark horse to win:
- Option Offense: Navy’s triple-option offense is still one of the most unique and effective in the nation. The Midshipmen have been successful with the offense in the past, and it could be a major factor in the game.
- Defensive Strengths: Navy’s defense has been strong against the run, ranking 13th in the nation in rushing defense. The Midshipmen also have a strong pass rush, with 34 sacks in 2021.
- Motivation: Navy has been motivated by the Army-Navy Game in the past, and it could be a major factor in the team’s favor. The Midshipmen have a strong sense of pride and tradition, and they will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak to Army.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Army is favored to win the 2022 Army-Navy Game, Navy is not without its strengths. The Midshipmen have a rich history of success in the rivalry, and they will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak to the Black Knights. As the teams prepare to face off again, one thing is for sure: it will be a game to remember.
